How to Build a Metal Open Pit Grill

Turn the gas supply running to the grill off. Use a pair of channel lock pliers to loosen the fitting securing the gas supply hose to the gas tank.

Slide the racks inside the grill off and lay them to the side. Remove the lava rocks out of the grill and place them in a trash bag.

Clean the interior of the grill by scrubbing it with a clean wire brush. Wipe the interior of the grill clean with paper towels. Place the rack back inside the grill.

Loosen the burners located under the body of the grill with a wrench. Remove them from the grill's frame and discard them in a trash bag.

Unscrew the gas controls and remove any other accessories off the grill with a wrench. Place the controls and accessories in a trash bag.

Determine the size of the fire pit by measuring the diameter of the old grill body. Add 2 inches to the diameter measurement.

Dig the hole for the pit using a shovel. Make the hole 6 inches deeper than the height of the grill body. Cover the bottom of the hole with 6 inches of drainage gravel.

Place the grill body inside the hole and press it down into the gravel and the ground. Add gravel safe for fire pits in the gap between the grill body and the hole.

Lay a row of angle-sided blocks around the perimeter of the fire pit. Place the blocks against each other so they create a curve.

Spread a layer of masonry adhesive on top of the blocks. Place a second row of blocks directly on top of the blocks covered with adhesive. Let the adhesive dry for 24 hours before using the homemade fire pit.